Any first time runners out there?
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The number one thing I can tell you is get the RIGHT running shoes. Don't just choose a pair because they are "cute" or because you know the brand. Go to a specialty running store and have them fit you. They will look at your feet, your stride and a number of other factors to put you in the proper shoe for YOU. Don't buy a pair because someone you know likes that kind. They might have a completely different need than you do. The wrong shoe can lead to injury so please be careful and get fit properly.
I know this is good advice. I know that a good pair of running shoes means not only happy feet, but may also prevent knee and back pain. However, for those of us who don't have the money to find a special store and get fit with a pair of shoes that we'll need to replace in six months.......does anyone have any recommendations?
They don't have to be expensive. Many running stores have shoes that are last year's model that are just as good and half the price of the newest ones. The cost of a good pair of shoes is much less than the cost of potential medical issues.0 -
I am running my first 5k next weekend and let me tell you, i am NOT a runner. I never ran a mile straight until i started training for this 5k.. not even in elementary school.
It's been said in this thread already; 1) start slow (I used c25k), 2) push yourself, but not too hard... and 3) it IS a mental thing.
I did a practice 5k today and ran it in 43mins. I feel super slow (my running partner did it in 32) but you know what? 2 months ago i couldn't run 60 seconds straight.
you can do this!0 -
The number one thing I can tell you is get the RIGHT running shoes. Don't just choose a pair because they are "cute" or because you know the brand. Go to a specialty running store and have them fit you. They will look at your feet, your stride and a number of other factors to put you in the proper shoe for YOU. Don't buy a pair because someone you know likes that kind. They might have a completely different need than you do. The wrong shoe can lead to injury so please be careful and get fit properly.
THIS! Also, inserts if recommended- I noticed a big difference with the last pair I got (no inserts) vs. current pair with inserts.
If you have a tough time motivating yourself to get out there, check out your local running store to see if they have a beginner's training program. I did this through Fleet Feet. They'll teach you proper form, warm-up, stretches, etc. You will also be around like minded people & it made me stick with it.0 -
Just start, but start slow. Run slower and shorter than you think you're capable of running. No, even slower than that. Walk frequently. Take a day of rest and then do it again.
All to often, new runners try to do too far too quickly too often...which leads to all kinds of problems that make running much more difficult. Done slowly (but consistently), you'll be able to increase the distances and speeds relatively quickly. Done too ambitiously and you'll find yourself sidelined for a month or two nursing an overuse injury.
--the guy just coming off of being sidelined for two months while recovering from plantar fasciitis because he tried to do too far too quickly too often. (Yesterday was my first day back and I ran/walked a total of just 20 minutes as directed by a C25k app...far less than I had been doing before the injury.)
Edit: because verb tense matters0 -
I honestly haven't ran since since I was a kid,and would really love to start. Just wondering if there's any tips on how to get motivated to run? Or any tips on how to get started.
I'm still looking for motivation. I know I want to be able to run, but when I start running, I instantly get miserable - not to mention winded. I can run for close to a minute, tops...that's the point where I tend to decide that it's too much for me, even though I could (probably) physically continue. I have used the C25K app, which is effective if you're already motivated, but as others have said, it gets pretty boring. I want to try this Zombie Run app that everyone is talking about...
Good luck!
If you are THAT miserable running, then you may need to find a different form of exercise. If you hate it, you won't do it and that won't help you achieve your goals.
However, if you are just giving up on yourself because it's tough, just focus on going a little bit further each time you run. Run a little longer before stopping to walk. Focus on achieving small goals - the next street sign, the next tree - and before you know it, you'll be achieving big ones.
Running is not something I grew up doing and I used to be the guy who said "I only run if something is chasing me." Not anymore. I love my runs and it IS addictive. But again, if you don't enjoy it AT ALL, then you may need to find something different to do.0 -
I'am a first time runner too. Beginning of June I started a programme 'Start to run', a populair programme to learn running 5K in 10 weeks. First two weeks went ok but then my knees really started to hurt. Had to stop for some time and then my husband helped me back on track. Lots more walking and less running in the beginning. And without my notice it slowly turned around. Now we run almost all the time with few short walks just to catch some breath.
My goal is to do the ladiesrun for Pink Ribbon in june 2014.
My advice is to start slow and instead of one day rest I take two days to recover. I don't mind running slow, my first goal is to run 'long'. My round is 4,2K, tooday I finishes it in 30,22 min and beginning of June the same round took me 42 min.
And you should get a pair of running shoes and promiss yourself on some nice stuff when reasonable goals are reached. I got myself a cute shirt when I could run a certain part of my round :-)
Most important is to start moving, in time things do get better.
Good luck!0 -
The cost of a good pair of shoes is much less than the cost of potential medical issues.
This. As someone who just paid off a $500 doctor/physical therapy bill because I stupidly tried starting running while wearing cheap hiking boots from Walmart, I can 100% say that good running shoes are a MUST! Go to a store that specializes in athletic shoes, let them analyze you, and you will be fine. I paid $120 for the running shoes I now wear, and I have no regrets whatsoever!0 -
Started a C25k program a year ago March and I was 60 years old! Try running with some friends they will keep you company and motivated. Have a graduation race to aim for at the end of the program. Vary the places you run. Get running shoes and moisture wicking running clothes. Looking like a runner helps you feel like a runner. It takes time and patience to get to running 5k without walking and/or stopping. And remember, if it looks easy, everyone would be doing it. Hang in there!0
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I started running in April/May but developed knee pain and my orthopedist made me stop. My problem (according to the physical therapist) is that I have weak muscles and I was putting all my stress of running on ligaments and joints in my knee (for some reason my right leg is significantly weaker than my left, hence the right knee pain). I just got into it because a friend encouraged me, and I had lost enough weight so I didn't feel like a fat cow and because I ran at night.
If I were to do it over again, I would run every other day and do strength exercises alternating days.
One more week before I see the orthopod, hopefully I will be allowed to run again.0 -
Oh, and when you bounce into work one morning very excitedly announcing that you managed whatever distance you did the previous night, ignore stupid comments from the colleague who will want to burst your bubble by telling you how slow you were. (No really.).0
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Here are a few suggestions:
1. Sign yourself up for a 5k a few months ahead of time (seeing that date on the calendar will motivate you when you don't want to get out the door.
2. Vary where you run. A change of scenery is nice and a different terrain will challenge you
3. Worry about endurance first and speed later.
4. Treat yourself to something nice with every accomplished goal (ie: new songs for the ipod)
5. My personal favorite ~ the Zombies Run! app (useable for several devices). You can listen to a story between your songs and "collect" items as you run. Absolutely LOVE this app.
6. Find a running partner. You don't even have to run together. My running buddy and I try to do our long runs together but if we can't it's still nice to have someone to be accountable to.
I started running in 2010 during a very difficult time in my life. I would begin my run feeling stressed and finish with a clear mind and peace. Running is my "yoga"
When I began, I couldn't run for a entire song so I would TRY to run 1 song and walk for 3 songs for 3 miles. As I got stronger I ran more and walked less. Earlier this year I finished my first half marathon and I'm currently training for my first full marathon! Running is when I make sense of everything, it's when answers to problems come to me. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Excellent advice!0 -
Me! I just started C25K yesterday and would love to talk to some more runners, both new and experienced.0
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any runners on RunKeeper? add me... http://runkeeper.com/user/E5Rob ...0
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I'm fairly new to running and started doing so w C25K.0
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I race my 1st 5 k Oct 20.
The key: 1) find a race. 2)circle it on your calendar 3)start training 4)sign up for the race 5) keep training 6) race.
Here's the beauty of running ....7)repeat There's always another race.
1) also I hired a trainer to work my core. the Y has cheap trainers.
2) I lost 15 pounds- so far.
3)I started slow with walk/running last year. But I did a 5k training program, I can now run a lot better. 10 minute without stopping. and still training
4)cross train- bicycle swim or do an exercise class. running every day is ad for the knees.
5)also strength train
6) I needed a neuromuscalar message therapist to loosen chronically tight muscles too.
good luck0
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